From Dreams to Destinations
From Dreams to Destinations
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The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development reports that over 40 countries now offer special startup visas to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and expand globally. These visas give access to funding, markets, and the chance to live and work in environments that encourage innovation.
If you're looking to expand into Europe, Asia, or North America, there’s a startup visa to help you get there.
In this guide, we’ll look at the 10 best start-up visa options for global entrepreneurs in 2025 and highlight the countries that offer the best opportunities.
A Start-Up Visa allows entrepreneurs from other countries to start and grow businesses in a new country. These businesses are usually in areas like technology, health, or clean energy. The goal is to bring in creative and talented people who can help boost the local economy, create jobs, and introduce new ideas to the market.
In Canada, the Start-Up Visa program has seen strong growth. In 2024, Canada welcomed 5,595 new permanent residents through this program, the highest number so far.
Start-Up Visas are usually granted for 2-3 years, depending on the country, and can lead to permanent residency or even citizenship if the business succeeds and meets certain requirements.
Countries that offer Start Up or Business Visa:
The Canada Startup Visa Program gives you a fast-track route to permanent residency by launching an innovative business in Canada. To qualify, you need to start a business, get support from a designated organization (like a venture capital firm or angel investor group, or business incubator), and bring settlement funds between USD 215,000 and USD 275,000. You can apply with up to four co-founders, as long as each of you owns at least 10% of the company and, together with the designated organization, holds over 50% of the voting rights. After living in Canada for three out of five years, you can apply for citizenship.
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The Innovator Founder Visa UK, often referred to as the UK Entrepreneur Visa, allows you to build a business in the UK. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old and show that you have £50,000 to invest in your business. You also need a letter of support from an endorsing body approved by the UK government. If you have a co-founder, they must meet the same requirements and obtain their own endorsement. This visa lets you apply for permanent residency after just 3 years. Once you receive permanent residency, you can work freely or run any business in the UK. You can apply from either inside or outside the UK. There are no age or nationality restrictions.
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The U.S. doesn’t offer a dedicated “ Start-Up Visa” but you can apply for the IEP program if you’re a startup founder. To qualify, you must have started a U.S.-based company within the last five years, own at least 10% of it, and actively run it. You also need to show your startup has strong growth potential. You can do this by raising at least $265,000 from U.S. investors or receiving at least $105,000 in government grants. If you meet the requirements, USCIS can grant you up to 30 months to stay, and you can apply for another 30-month extension if your business keeps performing well. Just remember, this program doesn’t lead directly to a green card.
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The Portugal Startup Visa Program is made for non-EU entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Portugal. To apply, you need an innovative business idea that creates jobs and makes over €325,000 in revenue or assets within five years. You must also work with a certified incubator in Portugal. These incubators will guide and support your business. After getting an agreement with an incubator, you submit your application online. Then, IAPMEI will review your plan. If approved, sign a contract with the incubator and apply for your residence visa. The initial residence permit lasts two years and can be renewed if you stay in Portugal for at least 16 months during that time.
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The Singapore Entrepreneur Visa (EntrePass) allows foreign entrepreneurs to start innovative businesses in Singapore. To qualify, you must set up a private limited company, own at least 30% of the company, and have a business idea that creates local jobs. You can qualify by securing at least SGD 100,000 in funding, owning intellectual property in Singapore, or having experience in managing scalable businesses. The program excludes industries like food, beverage, and entertainment. The EntrePass lasts for one year and can be renewed based on your business growth. After one to three years, you may qualify for permanent residency.
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Australia Startup Visa (subclass 188) allows entrepreneurs to start and grow innovative businesses in the country for up to 4 years and 3 months. To qualify, you must secure at least AUD 200,000 in funding from sources such as government agencies or venture capital firms and propose a business idea that benefits Australia. This visa can conduct to permanent residency through the subclass 888 visa after at least 2 years of entrepreneurial activity. To apply, you will have to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), obtain a state or territory nomination, and provide a stable business plan. Your business must be innovative and cannot involve residential real estate development or labor hire services.
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Germany Startup Visa, also known as the Self-Employment Visa program, allows non-EU entrepreneurs to start innovative businesses. To apply, you must create a strong business plan, show that you have sufficient funds (usually between €50,000 and €100,000), and have valid health insurance. You may also be required to attend an interview as part of the application process. After approval, you can move to Germany and apply for a residence permit. To increase your chances of success, consider registering your business as a GmbH or Mini GmbH and connect with local startup hubs or advisors for support.
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The Spain Startup Visa, also known as the "Entrepreneur Visa," is designed for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to start an innovative business in Spain. To qualify, you must invest at least €100,000 in your startup and demonstrate that your business will create jobs. The visa is valid for 1-year and can be renewed for two additional years if your business is performing well. After 5-years, you can apply for permanent residency. To apply, you first need to obtain a favorable report from Spanish authorities, then submit your visa application at a Spanish consulate. The visa is usually processed within 10 working days, and the residence permit takes around 20 working days.
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Ireland offers two main visa options for non-EEA nationals who want to do business: the Short Stay Business Visa and the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP). With the Short Stay Business Visa, you can stay in Ireland for up to 90 days to attend meetings or carry out short-term business tasks. You can apply for the STEP visa if you plan to launch an innovative startup. To qualify, you need at least €50,000 in funding and a scalable business idea that can create jobs. This visa gives you 2 years of residency at first, and you can renew it for 3 more years. After 5-years, you can apply for long-term residency or even citizenship.
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The French Tech Visa lets tech founders, employees, and investors from outside the EU live and work in France. You can stay for up to four years, with the option to renew. If you're a founder, you need an innovative business idea recognized by a French public organization and proof of financial stability (at least €21,621.60 per year). If you're an employee, you need a job offer from an innovative French tech company and a salary of at least €43,243.20 per year. The entire application process generally takes about 3 to 6 months for visa processing, and you can expect an additional 1 to 2 months to receive your residence permit after you arrive in France.
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StartUp Visa or Entrepreneur Visa lets you bring your family, grow your business, and create a better future. Check out 10 reasons why this visa is a great choice for entrepreneurs.
Many countries, like Canada, offer a clear path to permanent residency through their StartUp Visa programs. After 3-years, you can apply for citizenship and fully settle with long-term security.
StartUp Visa programs usually allow you to bring your spouse and children. Your spouse can work with an open work permit, and your kids can study in local schools for free or at reduced costs.
When you set up a business in countries like the U.S., Canada, or the UK, you enter big markets. This gives your startup international exposure and bigger opportunities for partnerships and sales.
These visa programs often connect you with approved investors, accelerators, or incubators. They guide you, fund you, and help you grow your business faster and smarter.
Unlike work visas, you don’t need a sponsor or employer to apply. You can launch your own business independently, on your terms.
Some countries initially let you stay for 2–5 years and extend your stay as your business grows. You’re not locked into long-term commitments right away, which gives you flexibility.
Your children can access quality public education, often at no extra cost. In some countries, they also qualify for lower university tuition rates, just like local students.
StartUp Visa programs target entrepreneurs with bold ideas. If your business has growth potential, you’ll find an ecosystem that encourages innovation and rewards success.
Governments design these programs to be simple to apply for. You don’t have to deal with too much paperwork or long waiting times.
When you build your company, you hire people, pay taxes, and add value to the local economy. You play an important role in the country’s growth, and that makes governments support you even more.
Yes, they can start a business in the USA. You don’t need U.S. citizenship or a green card. You can register a company like an LLC or C-Corp from abroad and run it remotely, or enter the U.S. using a visa such as the International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP).
No, Canada doesn’t offer a traditional Golden Visa. Instead, it offers the Start-Up Visa, which grants permanent residency to entrepreneurs who launch innovative businesses and receive support from approved investors or incubators.
To move to Canada through the Start-Up Visa, you need between USD 215,000 and USD 275,000. This amount covers your living expenses and proves you can support yourself while building your business.
You can get a USA business visa by applying for options like the B-1 visa for temporary business visits or the International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP) if you're launching a startup. To qualify for an IEP, you must own at least 10% of a U.S. company, stay actively involved, and secure funding or a government grant.
Canada’s Start-Up Visa grants permanent residency to foreign entrepreneurs who start innovative businesses. You must secure support from an approved investor or incubator, own a qualifying share of the business, and bring enough funds to settle in Canada.
The UK’s Innovator Founder Visa allows entrepreneurs to start businesses in the UK. You need £50,000 to invest and a letter of endorsement from an approved organization. After 3-years, you can apply for permanent residency.
You must be at least 18 years old, invest £50,000, and get endorsed by a UK-approved body. Once you have the endorsement, you can apply for the visa.
Apply for Germany’s Self-Employment Visa by submitting a business plan, proving you have at least €50,000-€100,000 in funding, and securing health insurance. Once approved, you can live and work in Germany and apply for residency later.
First, get recognized by a French public body for your startup. Then, prove your financial stability and submit your application. If approved, you can move to France within a few months.
Canada stands out with its Start-Up Visa, which offers permanent residency, access to investors, and government support. The UK, Singapore, and the U.S. also provide strong ecosystems for innovation.
Yes, most Start-Up Visas lead to permanent residency. Canada offers PR from the start, while the UK allows you to apply after three years. Countries like Spain and Ireland also offer long-term residency paths.
Yes, most Start-Up Visa programs allow you to bring your spouse and children. In many countries, your spouse can work and your kids can attend local schools for free or at reduced rates.
Canada, the UK, Singapore, and Australia offer the best business visas. These programs help entrepreneurs launch companies, gain residency, and access global markets.
An entrepreneur visa allows you to start and grow a business in a foreign country. These visas often come with residency benefits, funding access, and support for your family.
Yes, many European countries offer entrepreneur visas, including the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and Ireland. These programs support innovative startups and provide clear paths to residency or citizenship.
Canada and the UK offer the easiest Start-Up Visa processes. If you secure a designated investor or endorsement, both countries give you a clear and well-supported path to residency.
Singapore offers Asia’s top Start-Up Visa through its EntrePass program. It welcomes global founders, supports innovation, and provides access to funding and residency.
Processing times vary by country. Canada’s Startup Visa can take 12 to 16 months, Portugal’s may take 3 to 6 months, and the UK’s Innovator Visa typically takes about 8 weeks.
Yes, WeRWealthy specializes in residency and citizenship by investment programs, including Startup Visas. We’ll guide you through the application process, assist with business planning, and help secure the necessary endorsements.
Our expert-driven process is faster, easier, and completely hassle-free.